DMU's Sustainability Achievements Highlighted in 2024 People and Planet League

DMU's Commitment to Sustainability Shines with 60% Carbon Emission Reduction

The People and Planet University League, the UK’s largest student environmental campaign group, is the only independent ranking system that evaluates universities on their environmental and ethical efforts. Institutions are assessed across 14 categories, divided into two main areas: 'performance and policy', covering areas like education, policies, waste recycling, and carbon management. Universities are then ranked based on their scores in each category and awarded classifications similar to degree-style honours.

As a result of these rigorous evaluations, De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester has been ranked the second most environmentally friendly university in the UK, according to The Guardian. This achievement follows DMU earning a first-class degree in the People and Planet University League for the 13th consecutive year, securing the top spot in the East Midlands and second place overall out of 149 institutions. Karl Letten, DMU’s Sustainability Manager, highlighted that the University League assesses a wide range of sustainability issues, and securing such a high rank was a significant achievement. He emphasized that DMU has worked hard to integrate sustainability into all aspects of its operations, with the strong results reflecting the dedication of both staff and students to the university’s sustainability goals.

Professor Simon Oldroyd, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability, expressed pride in DMU's performance in the People and Planet Sustainability League. He commended the efforts of staff and students to integrate sustainability and the SDGs into the university's work, noting that these initiatives are central to DMU's Empowering University strategy. DMU’s performance in the People and Planet League reflects its long-standing commitment to sustainability and its vision for the future. However, further work is needed, and the university plans to continue innovating and promoting sustainability, especially through its role as a UN SDG hub. The university was recognized for excelling in key areas such as Staff and Student Engagement, Environmental Policy, and Environmental Staff, all of which received perfect scores of 100%.

DMU made significant progress in Ethical Investment, improving its score by 51%, from 23% to 74%, following the introduction of a policy to avoid investing in fossil fuel companies. The university has also implemented various sustainability measures, with recent achievements contributing to this success. DMU has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through various initiatives, including becoming a Carbon Literacy Educator, completing Carbon Literacy training for its leadership, and achieving Hedgehog Friendly Campus status. The university received the Responsible Futures award for sustainability in teaching and learning and won the Green Gown Award for sustainable fashion and climate change efforts. As the only UK university to be a global hub for SDG16, DMU has made significant strides in environmental performance.

DMU reduced carbon emissions from energy use by over 60% and achieved recycling rates above 90%. The university also launched the Daria Project with Leicester City Council to teach bike riding, supports low-carbon travel, and offers free travel on the Hospital Hopper bus service. A carbon levy was introduced for overseas flights through DMU Global. Additionally, DMU provides space for growing fruit and vegetables, creating a wildflower area, and offering sustainability training for new teachers.

De Montfort University’s achievements in carbon reduction, ethical investment, and sustainability initiatives demonstrate its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. As the university continues to innovate and integrate sustainability into all aspects of university life, DMU is poised to further expand its impact, particularly through its role as a UN SDG hub.

Editor's Note:

De Montfort University’s impressive ranking in the People and Planet University League highlights its ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership. This recognition underscores the significant efforts by both staff and students to integrate sustainable practices across all aspects of university life. As DMU continues to make strides in reducing its carbon footprint, promoting ethical investments, and fostering sustainability education, it sets a strong example for other institutions to follow.

Skoobuzz believes that the university's dedication to sustainability is reflected in its policies and initiatives and its role as a global hub for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.